Kansas 2024 March Madness Schedule, Next Opponent and History
By Joe Summers
The Kansas Jayhawks struggled at the end of the season but still landed the No. 4 seed in the Midwest region in the NCAA Tournament. Much depends on the health of stars Kevin McCullar Jr. and Hunter Dickinson, though this is still a talented roster capable of beating anyone led by the best coach in the sport.
Bill Self has his work cut out for him. The Jayhawks are just two years removed from a national championship and remain one of the most consistent programs in college basketball history.
Fans all around the region, especially those in Kansas, would love to see the Jayhawks return to glory despite the troubles of this season. Just a few days away from the first round, here's everything you need to know about the team heading into March Madness 2024:
What Seed is Kansas in March Madness 2024?
The Kansas men's basketball team earned the No. 4 seed in the Midwest region. They finished the regular season 22-10 with a 10-8 Big 12 Conference record.
After an early defeat in the Big 12 Tournament at the hands of Cincinnati, the Jayhawks have over a week off to rest and refocus for the games ahead. The last time Kansas was a No. 4 seed was 2018-19 when they lost in the second round. They lost in the same round as a No. 1 seed last year, so the program hopes to advance to the second weekend this time.
Who is Kansas Playing in the NCAA Tournament Next?
Kansas is taking on the No. 13 Samford Bulldogs in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Midwest Region clash is set to begin at 8:55 PM (CST) on Thursday, March 21. The Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, will host the matchup and you can watch it live on TBS.
Samford finished with a 29-5 record, winning the Southern Conference Tournament on top of their first-place finish in the regular season.
Achor Achor leads the team in scoring (15.8 PPG) and rebounding (6.1 RPG), though all three of the Bulldogs' top scorers shoot better than 42% from beyond the arc.
If Kansas defeats Samford, the Jayhawks will face the winner of the Midwest Region's No. 5 (Gonzaga) vs. No. 12 (McNeese State) in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Kansas Jayhawks Men's March Madness Schedule 2024
Round | Date/Time | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
First Round | March 21, 8:55 PM CST | No. 13 Samford |
Second Round | March 23/24 | TBD |
Sweet 16 | March 28/29 | TBD |
Elite Eight | Mach 30/31 | TBD |
Final Four | April 6 | TBD |
Championship | April 8 | TBD |
Kansas Jayhawks Men's March Madness History
This is the Jayhawks' 52nd NCAA Tournament appearance and 33rd consecutive bid. Kansas has four NCAA Tournament Championships and two Helms National Championships in program history, with the most recent coming in 2021-22.
The program has 16 Final Four appearances, the fifth-most of all-time. Kansas has made the NCAA Tournament every year of Bill Self's tenure, with this being the 20th consecutive appearance under the legendary coach.
Year | Finish |
|---|---|
1940 | Lost Championship |
1942 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
1952 | Won Championship |
1953 | Lost Championship |
1957 | Lost Championship |
1960 | Eliminated Elite Eight |
1966 | Lost Championship |
1967 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
1971 | Eliminated Final Four |
1974 | Eliminated Final Four |
1975 | Eliminated First Round |
1978 | Eliminated First Round |
1981 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
1984 | Eliminated Second Round |
1985 | Eliminated Second Round |
1986 | Eliminated Final Four |
1987 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
1988 | Won Championship |
1990 | Eliminated Second Round |
1991 | Lost Championship |
1992 | Eliminated Second Round |
1993 | Eliminated Final Four |
1994 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
1995 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
1996 | Eliminated Elite Eight |
1997 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
1998 | Eliminated Second Round |
1999 | Eliminated Second Round |
2000 | Eliminated Second Round |
2001 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
2002 | Eliminated Final Four |
2003 | Lost Championship |
2004 | Eliminated Elite Eight |
2005 | Eliminated First Round |
2006 | Eliminated First Round |
2007 | Eliminated Elite Eight |
2008 | Won Championship |
2009 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
2010 | Eliminated Second Round |
2011 | Eliminated Elite Eight |
2012 | Lost Championship |
2013 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
2014 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
2015 | Eliminated Sweet 16 |
2016 | Eliminated Elite Eight |
2017 | Eliminated Elite Eight |
2018 | Eliminated Final Four |
2019 | Eliminated Second Round |
2021 | Eliminated Second Round |
2022 | Won Championship |
2023 | Eliminated Second Round |
What is the University of Kansas' Mascot?
Kansas' mascot is Jayhawk, a term originally coined in the mid-1800s representing a group of pioneers crossing Nebraska, who called themselves "The Jayhawkers of '49".
The appearance of the Jayhawk has changed slightly over the years, though its always combined a blue jay and sparrow hawk.
If you want to bet on the Jayhawks or any team in March Madness, FanDuel Sportsbook has a $200 bonus available for any $5 winning bet! Click here to sign up, deposit at least $10 and bet $5 or more on any game and you'll get an extra $200 in bonus bets if you win. Sign up for FanDuel now!